CA 27-29 numbers rising: Does anyone else have an issue like this?

Kathleen, You will be able to add URLs to your posts and private message in a few days. There is a brief period where new members can't post links or initiate a private message. We do this to deter spammers and keep the community safe. We also recommend that members not share personal contact information on a public forum.

@lisakinpa can send you a private message so that you can exchange personal contact information securely.

Thanks! This site blocks my email address as potential spam, but maybe you can private message me, then I can respond with my email? I'm Kathleen O'Brien, and worked as a journalist for many years in NJ, should you want to Google me.

I would be happy to help as well as I have a lot of thoughts regarding the use of the medical portal, both positive and negative.

I also enjoy reading Cure magazine. 👍🏻👍🏻

Hey, I'm a freelance journalist (as well as a BC survivor) who is doing an article for CURE magazine on patient access to their lab results. Because of a new federal law, they get see results immediately, sometimes before their oncologist can. It seems you like getting that info promptly. I'd love to interview you about the pluses and minuses of seeing test results super-fast. Apologies if you find this email intrusive; I'm just anxious to get some patient voices in my piece instead of the "experts."
Kathleen O'Brien

I keep a chart where I track the monthly results. I like to see the changes. I also have the CA15.3 done and it looks like a roller coaster most of the time. The oncologist laughs at my excel chart but I want to know what the numbers are doing. Are you able to see all of your results without consulting the doctor?

@jemma17 What was your treatment for the growth in your clavicle? Did you have radiation treatment? Was cancer found in your lymph nodes? I found a lump in my clavicle area and Onc said it is in my lymph nodes so I did chemo and just finished radiation treatment. My throat/esophagus is literally burning and wondering if you had any similar side effects.

I was stable in the 30's for years. Mine jumped to 60 then 80's when my body stopped reacting positively to my meds (Ibrance and Faslodex at the time.) It was just one of several markers I had. I was extremely fatigued, suspected a tumor growing near my sternum and saw a growth on my clavicle. So, it was just one of many things. On it's own, it would just likely make me less likely to ignore something I might have otherwise. The CA27-29 is also tricky because some women have numbers in the hundreds! I'd take something to help me sleep and be grateful research has given us more than 1 tool to use. Best of luck to you!

I had the same fear and had a discussion with my oncologist just a few weeks ago.

Given the imperfect nature and unreliability of the test, we decided to discontinue the use of this test as it was causing me a lot of stress as my numbers were going up and down for no rhyme or reason.

Many things can bring on a higher number such as the diet you’re consuming, alcohol and also strenuous exercise.

My oncologist then stated that this test is best used for those who are metastatic as if the numbers continuously go up, it may be evidence that the patient is no longer in remission.

She then indicated that my bloodwork, clinical exam and overall health will determine if we need to look any further for a recurrence.

Talk to your oncologist and hopefully your fears will be relieved. ♥️